Amid political turmoil, is gratitude still in order?

Most Americans should be grateful to live in a time of unprecedented prosperity. Unfortunately, too many incorrectly believe we are on the precipice of a dystopian future

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

International and national politics seem to have sunk to a scary level not endured since the frostiest days of the Cold War. Because your columnists have far more Thanksgivings behind them than ahead of them, we feel qualified to opine on how readers should feel this Thanksgiving weekend, amid such turmoil.

Americans’ respect for government institutions is at an all-time low. In their daily reports, the media reveal dysfunction, partisan hostility, incompetence and confusion, which further erodes confidence among citizens. Should Americans be consumed with anger and frustration, or is there reason to be grateful for our system of government, despite the current state of politics?

Pignanelli: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 B.C.   

Most Americans should be grateful to live in a time of unprecedented prosperity with opportunities for better lifestyles and a thriving democracy. Unfortunately, too many incorrectly believe we are on the precipice of a dystopian future. All the screaming in the media ignores the lessons of history which document our nation was always a hotbed of controversy and nonetheless blossomed.

Following an acrimonious 1800 presidential election, Vice President Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in 1804. From then on, political divisiveness became a consistent feature of American government. The decades leading to the Civil War, and even after, were blemished with extreme polarization. But national animus was not just a 19th-century theme. The 1960s and 1970s contained assassinations, riots, crime waves, corruption and changing social mores. In fact, there is no time in the history of our country that was not subject to turmoil.

Yet, our republic not only survived — it also flourished. As usual, Americans are currently engaged in vigorous debates on numerous policy matters. We are enduring another huge societal and technological shift on par with the development of the printing press.

Thus, a small trip down memory lane must instill a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for a government and political structure that protects our liberties, obligations and lifestyles. Even those who dislike turkey have plenty of reasons to be thankful.

Most Americans should be grateful to live in a time of unprecedented prosperity with opportunities for better lifestyles and a thriving democracy. Unfortunately, too many incorrectly believe we are on the precipice of a dystopian future. All the screaming in the media ignores the lessons of history which document our nation was always a hotbed of controversy and nonetheless blossomed.

Following an acrimonious 1800 presidential election, Vice President Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in 1804. From then on, political divisiveness became a consistent feature of American government. The decades leading to the Civil War, and even after, were blemished with extreme polarization. But national animus was not just a 19th-century theme. The 1960s and 1970s contained assassinations, riots, crime waves, corruption and changing social mores. In fact, there is no time in the history of our country that was not subject to turmoil.

Yet, our republic not only survived — it also flourished. As usual, Americans are currently engaged in vigorous debates on numerous policy matters. We are enduring another huge societal and technological shift on par with the development of the printing press.

Thus, a small trip down memory lane must instill a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for a government and political structure that protects our liberties, obligations and lifestyles. Even those who dislike turkey have plenty of reasons to be thankful.

Webb: America’s government, with its checks and balances and with power divided between the federal and state levels, was designed to maximize freedom and prevent tyranny. It was designed to be controlled by citizens, subject to basic constitutional principles asserting that freedom and foundational rights are inherent, endowed by God, not granted by a king or any government official.

Thus, we are blessed with a magnificent governmental framework. And we should be grateful for that. However, our government is only as good as its people — and the officials we elect. John Adams, a Founding Father and our second president, said: “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

I believe our governmental framework was inspired. But it is fallible, mortal men and women who execute its provisions and apply it in myriad ways to our everyday lives. It is easy for them to stray far beyond, or even abandon, foundational constitutional provisions. That has certainly happened and is happening today.

Therefore, we should express heartfelt gratitude for our form of government, while simultaneously committing to elect men and women who will work collaboratively, and with good will, to advance constitutional provisions ensuring maximum freedom and safety.

Many leaders of the Beehive State fall all over themselves praising the “Utah Way.” But is this just a charade to hide many problems or should Utahns be especially thankful for what we enjoy in this state?

Pignanelli: Right and left winger extremists condemn much in our state. Yet, their version of a utopia frightens most of us.

Regardless of unsubstantiated criticisms, a wonderful virtuous cycle is occurring. Utahns are grateful for what we enjoy, thereby driving a greater commitment to the virtues inherent to us (hard work, vision, collaboration, etc.). This dynamic leads to greater results for which we are thankful.

Webb: There is, no question, something special about Utah. The principles of limited government, low taxes, maximum freedom and “disagreeing better” (credit Gov. Spencer Cox) are working here.

We have our problems. We’re by no means perfect. But if bickering and overbearing federal officials want to observe a “laboratory of democracy” that performs admirably, they should check out Utah.

What did your columnists especially identify in expressing gratitude at their Thanksgiving repast?

Pignanelli: I am grateful for my family, the opportunities they enjoy and the prospects available to them as Americans. Further, I am blessed because my grandparents immigrated to Utah, the greatest state in the country.

Webb: The older I get, the more important and meaningful family relationships become. More important than wealth or material possessions. More important than fame or recognition. There is something special about family. It is felt, innately, by essentially everyone, worldwide.

A grandmother in Ukraine, risking all to find her special needs grandson who was taken by Russian soldiers. A twin, separated at birth from his sibling, searching for decades to find the lost brother. Even dysfunctional families, grief stricken and united as they mourn the death of a family member. Millions of people worldwide, spending untold hours searching family trees to learn about their ancestors.

Family is the basic unit of society. But it is much more. It is something divine, something eternal.

Fall 2023 Election Update

Utah House delegation will soon have full voting power

In the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives, every vote matters By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb.

In the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives, every vote matters — especially during this tumultuous time when the House has been in chaos, while facing a long list of critical issues. The House has been short one vote — a Utah vote. But that vote will be available again after next Tuesday when 2nd Congressional District voters select a replacement for former Congressman Chris Stewart, who resigned in September. We take a look.

The contest in the 2nd District special election is between Democrat Kathleen Riebe and Republican Celeste Maloy. It is guaranteed that a woman will join Utah’s congressional delegation. Election data shows the Republican has an advantage. What are political insiders observing and conjecturing about this race?

Pignanelli: “Rural Americans are a special people. Their spirit of community inspires us all.” — Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack

The Fascinating Political Battles in Utah’s Capital City

What are politicos conjecturing about the outcome of the Salt Lake City mayoral race?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Although only residents of Salt Lake City will vote in the mayoral and city council races on Nov. 21, the contests are of interest to citizens all across the state. Utah’s capital city is always a hotbed of political intrigue, so your columnists weigh in.

Popular incumbent Mayor Erin Mendenhall is facing spirited opposition from former two-term mayor Rocky Anderson. No polling has been released to the public charting the status of the race. Homelessness has emerged as a key issue in the contest. Does Mendenhall deserve criticism on this matter from her detractors? What are politicos conjecturing about the outcome?

Pignanelli: “The mayor has got to work closely with a wide variety of people, city council, state legislature, governor, business, labor … in order to succeed.” — Mayor Marc Morial, New Orleans

A native Utahn, I lived and worked most of my adult life in Salt Lake City. My wife and I reared three children and multiple pets in a 173-year-old home. I was active in many community organizations and honored to represent Avenues/Capitol Hill/Guadalupe residents in the Legislature for 10 years. Twenty years ago, I was a candidate for mayor.

The preceding “humble brag” qualifies me to articulate this judgment, and it is my own judgment, independent of this publication: Erin Mendenhall is a great mayor.

Salt Lake City has never been more energized in housing, economic development, cultural and entertainment opportunities. Mendenhall excels in developing relationships with neighboring jurisdictions and state leaders. She understands the priority for a mayor is to get things done, not make speeches.

Unfortunately, Mendenhall suffers from a horrific disability — not boasting of her achievements. This allows antagonists to unfairly dump on her the decades-old issues of homelessness. Yet behind-the-scenes research reveals Mendenhall is leading, but there are enough undecided voters to require nonstop campaigning.

City residents appreciate Mendenhall’s quiet competence and will award her a well-deserved victory. Of course, I will boast about my salient prediction after Election Day.

Webb: I think Rocky Anderson is a fun and engaging politician — especially if you like drama, contention and big battles with the Utah Legislature. Mendenhall has brought stability and sensible progressivism (if there is such a thing) to city politics. Mendenhall is plenty liberal, but her personal style is to avoid unnecessary fights, work collaboratively when more can be accomplished, and recognize which party runs the state. The fact that the entire city council has endorsed Mendenhall over Anderson speaks volumes.

Homelessness is certainly a legitimate issue in the mayoral race. Homeless camps and related problems have frustrated residents, merchants and visitors. However, the city, whether under Mendenhall or Anderson, isn’t going to solve homelessness any time soon. Neither is the state, despite the multimillions of dollars spent.

Homelessness has become an intractable problem because of societal shifts. When I grew up in the 1950s and ’60s, we mostly (but not always) had large, intact families. Government didn’t deal much with homelessness, except to provide institutions for the severely mentally ill who were incapable of caring for themselves, with their families unable to cope.

Most families in those days lived very modestly, but most adults were married, children were raised by two parents, and extended families were generally able to take care of their own, including most of those with mental health challenges and addiction problems. They also received support from nonprofits, like churches.

Today, percentagewise, there are far fewer marriages, far fewer two-parent families, many more children with unwed parents, and much smaller families. Most of the consequences of these societal shifts, including homelessness, we have turned over to the government to solve. And government is a poor substitute for a strong family support system.

If only about 6% of Utahns live in Salt Lake City, should they care about its elections? Are the politics really that different from the rest of the state?

Pignanelli: Most states have different cities each with a specific focus for government, finance/business, higher education, etc. Utah is unique as Salt Lake City is Utah’s political, business, academic research, religious and historical capital. Thus, what happens between 2100 South and the foothills affects the entire state.

Also, the capital politics are dramatically different from the rest of the state. Mendenhall shines brilliantly in navigating the left-wing demands of her constituents and conservative realities of a red state. She understands Salt Lake City and the rest of Utah need each other despite the ideological differences.

Webb: I love Salt Lake City. I loved living and working in the heart of downtown for many years. The city has great neighborhoods and great people. However, I didn’t fit in politically, a fact that I accepted. Salt Lake City is a liberal island in a sea of conservatism. But it is Utah’s capital city and all state residents should want it to be vibrant and successful.

In prior columns we discussed the theoretical impacts of the congressional special election and ranked choice voting on municipal balloting. How will these affect Salt Lake City’s mayoral and council races?

Pignanelli: Both mayoral campaigns are utilizing messaging strategies to appeal to those GOP voters who normally dismiss municipal elections. Several city council races with multiple strong candidates may have unexpected outcomes because of ranked choice voting.

Webb: The special election will bring out a few more voters in the portion of the city within the 2nd District. Ranked choice voting won’t make much difference in the mayoral contest, but it could in some council races.

Get ready to vote for the leaders who affect you the most

Utah’s municipal election and the 2nd Congressional District special election will be on Nov. 21

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

National and international politics have been so intense lately that it’s easy to forget we have an important election later this month, right here in Utah. The municipal election, along with the 2nd Congressional District special election, is Nov. 21, two days before Thanksgiving. However, mail-in ballots are starting to hit mail boxes this week, so the election is upon us. We take a look at unique aspects of this election and why it is important.

More than 250 municipalities in Utah will be electing leaders this month. Several hundred candidates are running. Why should voters learn about their municipal candidates and participate in this election?  

Pignanelli: “The issues that most impact the average person are made at the local level.” — Erin Brockovich   

The U.S. House of Representatives went 22 days without the leadership of a speaker. Despite all the handwringing by media and politicos, very few Americans were adversely impacted by this controversy. (The House did not have a speaker for 55 days in 1961-1962 and the republic survived.)

However, if a city is dysfunctional for a day residents would feel negative ramifications — whether loss of police protection, refuse collection, health inspections, traffic safety, etc. The quality of our lifestyles is directly linked to municipal or county governments.

All citizens should learn about their local candidates and participate in the elections. This helps them know their council representative who is closer to the resources to solve many problems.

While debates over international relations and the federal debt are interesting, ensuring that the necessities of life are safeguarded is more important. Please remember this when hauling out your garbage.

Webb: The federal government, especially Congress, may be a lost cause. But Utah’s local governments can still solve problems, govern effectively and make a difference in citizen’s lives. That’s why it’s important to elect competent, dedicated mayors and city council members.

Many matters critical to your quality of life are handled at the city level. Rapid population growth is putting enormous pressure on municipalities. Decisions are being made that will impact cities and towns, and their residents, for generations.

Are your local roads full of potholes? Do you have, or need, public transit? Do you have a walkable, attractive city center with shops and restaurants and arts and cultural facilities? Or is yours mostly a community of big box stores with gigantic parking lots. Do young people in your community have opportunities to play sports and engage in other recreational opportunities to develop their talents? Do you have pleasant parks and picnic areas with scenic walking trails? Are you proud to live in your community? 

Your local leaders must have big visions to make your community a great place to live, work and play. That’s why It’s important to vote.

Here’s another reason local governments must perform well: If they don’t, state government or, worse, the big, overbearing federal government, will step in and take over local prerogatives.

The municipal election is usually early in November, but was pushed back this year to provide more campaign time for the 2nd Congressional District special election. Another interesting aspect of the election is that some cities will use ranked choice voting. How will these dynamics affect the election?

Pignanelli: There are just some things that confuse me including, scoreless soccer games, roundabout intersections and ranked choice voting. There may be supposed advantages to this system (i.e. avoiding primaries, greater civility, etc.), but I remain unpersuaded. For example, many local elections have two major contenders and supporters of the remaining minor candidates could have outsized influence of the ultimate outcome under this system.

Partisan voters who normally refrain from city elections but cast a congressional ballot will impact many city races. Shrewd candidates understand this and are conducting “above and below the radar” campaigns targeted at these unique voters.

Webb: With so much happening (or not happening) in Congress, it’s very important to get Utah’s full congressional delegation seated, so this special election is timely. Utah has been short a seat since Chris Stewart resigned.

Meanwhile, voters need to be educated about how ranked choice voting works. It also changes how candidates campaign, seeking second-place support if they are not first choice. It can all be rather confusing.  

Will the 2nd District election help boost voter turnout within the district, or will this be a low-turnout election with only the most committed voters participating?

Pignanelli: Municipal elections usually have lower turnout, although mail-in balloting has helped. Also, the 2017 special congressional election garnered fewer participants than usual. Further, only a quarter of the state will be impacted by this congressional special election. Thus, there may be a slight bump in those affected regions, which could be enough to alter the results of close races.

Webb: With citizens distracted and traveling in advance of Thanksgiving Day, it will be a low-turnout election. Candidates will need to focus hard on getting their supporters to mail in their ballots or to vote on election day, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

The Halloween nightmares of Utah politicians

What Halloween nightmares are Mitt Romney, Mike Lee and other Utah politicians dreaming up?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

Pignanelli & Webb: Halloween is scary enough by itself. Inject politics into the mix and some real nightmares emerge. With the big night almost here, we used various means of divination (or maybe it was indigestion) to conjure up the Halloween nightmares of our local politicians.

Gov. Spencer Cox: “It was terrifying! I was forced to say rude things on television about people with whom I disagree. I was forced to, perish the thought, disagree worse! I woke up screaming.”

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson: “I dreamt a real case of voter fraud actually occurred in Utah. I’m so glad it was just a nightmare. It shook me to the core!”

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney: “I woke up in a cold sweat after dreaming that Donald Trump was reelected. Worse, he issued an executive order outlawing sales of my biography and the manufacturing of Twinkies. I may never be the same.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: “At first it seemed like a happy dream because I was sitting in the inner sanctum of the Supreme Court when the justices were deliberating a case regarding the dormant Commerce Clause. But when I tried to get their attention, they could not see me or hear me. I shouted my legal theories in vain, over and over again. It was sheer torture.”

U.S. Rep. Blake Moore: “What a nightmare! I dreamed I was part of a gridlocked House of Representatives in total disarray, unable to even elect a speaker! And in caucus, various factions spent all their time yelling at each other! Wait, was that just yesterday’s headlines?”

U.S. Rep. John Curtis: “My frightening dream started as a beautiful morning. But while dressing I opened the drawer and all my socks were drab gray. There was no color or pattern to any of them. The scene still haunts me today.”

U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens: “I dreamt I met with constituents and they really didn’t care about football or the Super Bowl I played in. It really was scary.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall: “It was like ‘Groundhog Day.’ I get up every morning and have to debate Rocky. Same arguments and campaign pitches, over and over again. Actually, the bad dream pretty much reflects my life right now.”

Mayoral candidate Rocky Anderson: “It was awful. I dreamt that every liberal over the age of 55 suddenly disappeared from Salt Lake City. No one had a clue who I was! It was devastating.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson: “I dreamed I had to ride the gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird and Alta. UDOT tossed me out halfway up. Worst nightmare of my life!”

Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis: “I dreamed that Donald Trump was no longer a candidate and Joe Biden had to face a more mainstream Republican. What a disaster! This was so frightening.”

Republican Party Chair Robert Axson: “I dreamed that Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer retired and we could no longer vilify them and raise money. What a disaster! This was so frightening.”

Attorney General Sean Reyes: “In my nightmare, I heard trick-or-treaters outside my door. I went out to hand out candy and children wearing Tim Ballard masks said, ‘Boo!’ It’ll take a while to get over that.”

Senate President Stuart Adams: “I woke up in a panic after dreaming that Utah did not win any award for good management, solid taxation policies or a great economy. The horror was indescribable.”

House Speaker Brad Wilson: “I dreamed I was a well-respected state legislator who could solve problems and get things done. Then I shape-shifted into a federal lawmaker and was caught in a maze of chaotic paralysis. I was immobilized. I tried to get something done and heard laughter. It was frightful.”

U.S. Senate GOP candidates Trent Staggs, Rod Bird and other arch-conservative Republicans: “It was a ghastly dream. The Legislature abolished the caucus/convention system. Thousands of delegates were staggering around like zombies with nothing to do.”

2nd Congressional District Republican nominee Celeste Maloy: “I dreamt that on my way to be sworn in as a new member of Congress I was stuck in the elevator with members of “the Squad” — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib ... I’m still shaking.”

2nd Congressional District Democratic nominee Kathleen Riebe: “I dreamt that on my way to be sworn in as a new member Congress I was stuck in the elevator with Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Opal Boebert. It was awful.”

University of Utah President Taylor Randall: “This was so realistic. The Pac-12 suddenly disintegrated, we were left afloat, and then we had to join another conference. When will I wake up?”

Frank Pignanelli: “It was terrifying. I was sitting in one of those national chain restaurants that claim to serve Italian food (you know what I’m talking about) and forced to eat tasteless breadsticks. I will need therapy.”

LaVarr Webb: “Well, this is embarrassing. In my bad dream, I went out to feed the chickens one cheery morning and forgot to put on my pants. The chickens were so traumatized they stopped laying eggs for a month.”

Presenting to the Legislature

We had the opportunity to present to the Utah Legislature issues facing the Utah Association of Financial Services, and National Association of Industrial Bankers. We appreciated the invitation from President Adams, Speaker Wilson, legislative leadership  and Zions Bank to participate in this forum at the Capitol. 

How will the Hamas attack, House chaos and concerns about Biden’s age affect Utah politics?

Who will Utah voters support in the context of a world in turmoil and the U.S. House in disarray?

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The once sacred rule, “All politics is local,” is becoming a canard. What happens in Washington, D.C., and occasionally elsewhere on the planet, increasingly impacts local elections in America. We consider the impact of national and international events on Utah politics.

The attack by Hamas on Israel has generated emotional responses and political activity. Meanwhile, U.S. House Republicans have been in chaos after ousting their speaker and struggling to elect a new one. Will these national and international events influence the 2nd Congressional District Special Election and municipal contests on Nov. 21, and could the impact spill over into 2024?

Pignanelli: “It was dangerous (to oust the speaker). What kind of message are we sending to our adversaries when we can’t govern, when we’re dysfunctional, when we don’t even have a speaker of the House?” — Congressman Michael McCaul, R-Texas. 

For many generations, Utahns exhibited a deep affection for people of the Jewish faith in the state and throughout the world. Therefore, the condemnations from state leaders, and even average citizens, to the brutal, terroristic slaughter were direct and without equivocation.

A large majority of the Utah electorate anticipate local politicians to support Israel. Many candidates for mayor and city council offices will act accordingly. Democrats will need to establish distance from leftist congressional members and elite college activists issuing statements demeaning to Israelis. But if assistance to Israel is delayed or impacted by congressional chaos, Republicans will also feel frustration by some voters.

Troubling images will emerge as Israeli troops push through the Gaza Strip. Others throughout the country may protest such actions. But in Utah, the historic relationship with the Jewish people and Israel will remain a priority in public affairs.

Webb: Voters will have important questions for Utah candidates in upcoming elections. Utahns will determine who they support in the context of a world in turmoil and the U.S. House in disarray. Will a Utah candidate help bring sanity to national politics, and peace through strength internationally, or will the candidate create more chaos that weakens the United States?

Utahns should very much want to understand the positions of their politicians regarding the U.S. House fiasco, and the war in Israel, the war in Ukraine, and how to protect U.S. interests in a very scary world.

Republicans must be held accountable for the nasty, embarrassing, intraparty leadership brawl. Utah’s members of Congress may not be directly responsible for the fiasco, but what are they doing to prevent a similar future occurrence and to punish the renegades? 

Meanwhile, isolationist Republicans ought to be defeated. This is no time to elect leaders who are soft on Russian aggression and its war crimes in Ukraine. Some Republicans can’t seem to connect Russia’s invasion in Ukraine with Hamas’ invasion of Israel, China’s intimidation of Taiwan, Iran’s warlike actions, and the menace of North Korea. They need to understand that going soft on Russia, allowing it to conquer Ukraine, will only embolden those other bad actors, increasing the likelihood of World War III.   

National and international affairs are top-of-mind for voters this year and next, as they should be. Local and national candidates should respond accordingly.

President Joe Biden continues to suffer high disapproval ratings in polls conducted nationally and locally. Further, a CBS News survey revealed two-thirds of Americans do not believe Biden will finish his second term, revealing a new negative perception issue among voters. How will this impact local politics?

Pignanelli: Biden cannot catch a break. His age and frailty continue to haunt him, factors beyond any correction. Further, a recent survey documents that most Americans support Israel but disapprove of Biden’s handling of the conflict.

According to the CBS poll, Biden’s personality traits so attractive to voters in 2020 (calm, predictable) contrast with what the voters want in 2024 (tough, energetic). All this angst with the president could trickle down to local politics (as it usually does in other states). This will affect the congressional special election and those municipal races where voters have a perception of candidates’ ideologies — real or perceived.

Webb: We’re in a very perilous political period. The world is in turmoil and our two leading presidential candidates are old, unpopular and incompetent. The old world order, dominated by the United States, is being challenged by bad actors. Biden is incapable of providing the leadership needed, and Trump is so erratic and volatile as to be dangerous.

Are there any other potential late year surprises for politicos this season?

Pignanelli: If the controversy surrounding the House speaker creates issues in government funding or jeopardizing national security, the GOP will be held accountable. Democrats’ difficult Biden problems are “baked in” and unlikely to worsen. Normally, “October political surprises” must occur by now to have impact. But Utah’s elections are scheduled for Nov. 21 this year, expanding opportunities for potential trouble.

Webb: If national or international affairs cause the economy to crash, the political ramifications could be dramatic. Utah voters will look for leadership that is wise, steady, reassuring and dynamic.